Pleasant Valley's invite by Colonial tests loyalty to MVC

They couldn't? They wouldn't? What if PV accepted the Colonial League's invitation and left the Mountain Valley Conference?

Then what?

I spoke with Pleasant Valley Superintendent Doug Arnold on Wednesday about the Colonial League's invitation. Arnold is an intelligent school administrator, who has spent time in the East Stroudsburg and now Pleasant Valley school districts. The man has made some tough and difficult decisions in his career.

When we spoke, he talked about meeting with his team — members of the athletic department at PV, other administrators and trusted colleagues — going over what would be the right move for his school.

What Arnold didn't say is as telling as what he did say. Here's what Arnold didn't say.

Mike, we're flattered that the Colonial League would think of Pleasant Valley when it comes to expanding their league, but that's probably not a good fit for us at this time.

Here's some more of what wasn't said.

Pleasant Valley has been in the Mountain Valley Conference since its inception in the 1990s. We have such a strong relationship with the other schools, we couldn't possibly leave them at this time.

People outside of Pleasant Valley believe the Brodheadsville school isn't going anywhere. I would agree.

But the Colonial League has an agenda, and reeling in a large school to join its conference is at the top. If it's not PV, then who?

East Stroudsburg South? Stroudsburg? We could guess all day.

Consider this: A common thread seems to be commitment. A district has to do what's best for itself, or so I'm told by many.

There was a time when the Mountain Valley Conference members were committed to one another. Are they still?

Maybe, maybe not. Times have changed, financial situations as well. The names and faces of those making decisions have changed over the years as well.

So when I hear that a district has to do right by itself first, I wonder if the connection between the schools is as strong as it once was.

These tests come by from time to time, and every time the Monroe County schools have stood together. Will they this time?

Or will someone — this year, next year or the year after — change their mind and say it's time for a new direction and leave the MVC.